07.167
Sanjaya said:
When the Nārāyaṇa weapon appeared, the wind blew with raindrops in a cloudless sky, accompanied by thunder.
The earth trembled and the mighty ocean was stirred. The sea creatures began moving against the current to reach there.
O Bharata, the peaks of the mountains were shattered there, and the deer circled the sons of Pandu in an anticlockwise direction.
The sun was shrouded in darkness and became tainted. Meanwhile, carnivorous creatures joyfully descended.
O lord of the people, the gods, demons, and celestial musicians were fearful. How did the intense story unfold upon witnessing that great disturbance?
The kings were deeply distressed and bewildered when they saw the terrifying form of the weapon of Drona's son, which was truly fearsome.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
When the armies were withdrawn by Ashwatthama, the son of Drona, in the battle, he was greatly stricken with grief and could not tolerate his father's killing.
Sanjaya, tell me what counsel was there among the Pandavas when they saw the Kurus attacking for the protection of Dhrishtadyumna.
Sanjaya said:
Yudhishthira, having seen the sons of Dhritarashtra fleeing before, and hearing the loud sound again, addressed Arjuna.
When the teacher Drona was slain in battle by Dhrishtadyumna, just as the great demon Vritra was slain by the wielder of the thunderbolt.
O Dhananjaya, the dejected warriors, not seeking victory in battle, focused on self-preservation and fled like the Kurus.
Some kings, in their confusion, quickly moved with chariots whose charioteers were slain, and whose poles were broken, without banners, flags, and with umbrellas.
Others, bewildered and mounted on agitated horses with broken nests, were frightened and hastened the horses themselves with chariots. Some, with broken yokes, wheels, and axles, moved quickly, afflicted by fear.
Some warriors, fastened on the shoulders of elephants, were dislodged from their seats by arrows. Afflicted and scattered by elephants, they were carried away in all ten directions.
Deprived of their armor, some fell to the ground from their vehicles. Others were cut off and crushed in the wheels by horses and elephants.
Crying out 'father, son', some flee in fear. They fail to recognize each other, their strength sapped by confusion.
Sons, fathers, friends, and brothers, having been placed together and firmly wounded, are soaked with water by others, who have also removed their armors.
Having reached such a state after Droṇa was slain, the army quickly regrouped. If you know by whom this was done, please tell me.
The great sound of neighing horses, roaring elephants, and chariot wheels is distinctly heard here, mingling together.
These fierce and intense sounds have emerged in the Kuru battlefield, repeatedly rising and causing tremors among my people.
This loud and terrifying sound that is heard seems capable of destroying the three worlds, even with Indra, according to my belief.
I believe this terrifying sound is the roar of the thunderbolt-wielder. With Drona killed, it is evident that Indra is coming to aid the Kauravas.
The warriors were thrilled and their hair stood on end, while the chariots and elephants were agitated. They heard the terrifying sound of Dhananjaya's teacher echoing there.
Who is this great warrior who, like the lord of the gods, withdraws for battle after having placed the defeated Kauravas in the field?
Arjuna said:
The Kauravas, having raised themselves for fierce action and assumed courage, blow their conches, relying on his valor.
O king, where your doubt arises after laying down weapons upon the teacher's death, having positioned the Dhartarashtras, who is this that roars thus indeed?
I will describe the mighty-armed hero, majestic and moving like a powerful elephant, known for his fierce deeds and fearlessness among the Kurus.
Upon the birth of Ashwatthama, Droṇa gifted a thousand cows to the most esteemed Brahmins. Now, this Ashwatthama roars with pride.
By the neighing of the newly born hero, the earth and all the three worlds were shaken, just like by Uccaiḥśravas.
Upon hearing that, the being vanished, and then he named himself Aśvatthāmā. Thus, today this hero roars, O Pāṇḍava.
The one who seemed helpless today, attacked and killed by the son of Prishata in a cruel act, had his protector standing firm.
My teacher was humiliated by the son of Panchala who grabbed him by the hair. The son of Drona, knowing his own strength, would never forgive that.
The teacher was falsely deceived by you for political reasons. This great unrighteous act was indeed done by the one who knows dharma and is virtuous.
This Pāṇḍava, my disciple, who is endowed with all dharmas, will not speak falsehood. Therefore, I have placed my belief in you.
He, known as truth-clad, entered, and then falsehood followed. The teacher was informed by you that the elephant was indeed killed.
Then, O king, he abandoned his weapon and became unconscious and overwhelmed, as you have seen, the lord.
Overcome by grief and disheartened, the teacher, who was affectionate to his son, abandoned his eternal duty and was killed by his disciple.
You have unrighteously laid down your weapons and killed the teacher. Now, if you are able, protect Pārṣata along with your ministers.
Seized by the teacher's son who is angry and has slain kinsmen, we all will not be able to save Pārṣata today.
The one who is excessively friendly to all beings will, upon hearing about the insult to his father, attack us fiercely in battle today.
The greedy teacher, who was crying out loudly in me, was killed by the disciple after abandoning his own duty.
When most of our life has passed and only a little remains, this current change is a significant wrongdoing that has been committed.
He was like a father always, out of affection and righteously. However, due to the short duration of his reign, the teacher was killed.
Dhritarashtra, addressing Bhishma and Drona, declared that the entire earth, along with their sons and devoted followers, was set free.
Having attained such a position and being always honored by others, the teacher chose me over his own sons.
Even Indra would not kill him while he is fighting, but he was killed in battle, exhausted and having laid down his weapons, by your words.
The betrayal of our elder teacher, who was always helpful, was indeed committed by us, the ignoble and small-minded, for the sake of the kingdom.
Vasavi would forsake everything, including family and life, for the love she has for me; my teacher is aware of this truth.
He, who desired the kingdom, was being killed by me but was neglected. Therefore, O king, I have reached hell with my head down, O lord.
It is better to be dead than alive today after having killed a Brahmin, an old teacher, and a sage who has laid down his arms, for the sake of the kingdom.
